Heritage · Beaches · Gastronomy

Discover Villajoyosa

More than 3,000 years of history, eleven blue flag beaches and the oldest chocolate-making tradition in Spain.

Living history

Heritage and history

Route to the Historic Site

Next to the tower where Plaza de la Generalitat and Costera de la Mar meet, you’ll find the starting point sign for this route. It’s a highly accessible information panel: it’s wheelchair-accessible; features large print for people with low vision; text in Spanish, Valencian, and English; a raised-relief map of the area and text in Braille; audio descriptions and text accessible via QR code in Spanish, Valencian, English, French, Norwegian, and German; and a video in Spanish Sign Language. At the top of the panel is a visual map, and at the bottom is the tactile map.

Dr. Álvaro Esquerdo Street (Carrer Llimons)

Doctor Álvaro Esquerdo Street, popularly known as Carrer Llimons, is one of Villajoyosa’s most iconic historic streets. For centuries, it was one of the city’s main commercial thoroughfares and formed part of the old Camí del Peix, the traditional route connecting La Vila with Alcoy and the interior. Located next to the old town, it preserves the memory of the city’s former expansion beyond its walls. The street is named after Álvaro Esquerdo (1851–1921), a doctor from Villajoyosa and a prominent local benefactor involved in various educational and social projects in the city.

Gil's Salt Bridge

The Pont del Salt d’En Gil is a historic bridge spanning the Amadorio River, set in a natural environment of great scenic beauty. Dating back to ancient times and renovated in the 18th century, it is one of the most iconic traditional crossings in the heart of Villajoyosa.

The Enchanted Rock

The Enchanted Rock is a curious rock formation linked to one of Villajoyosa’s best-known folk legends. Located next to an old traditional path, this site is part of Villajoyosa’s folklore and oral tradition associated with the magical night of San Juan.

Xarco Tower

The Xarco Tower is a 16th-century coastal watchtower built to protect the coastline from attacks by Barbary pirates. Situated on a rocky promontory next to Xarco Cove, it was part of the defensive maritime surveillance system along the Valencian coast. It is currently designated a Site of Cultural Interest and is located on private property, so the interior is not open to the public.

Olivera Grossa

The Olivera Grossa is one of the oldest trees in Spain and one of the most unique monumental specimens in the Valencian Community. Estimated to be approximately 1,400 years old, this spectacular olive tree was already producing oil during the time of the ancient Roman settlement of Xauxelles.

Culture and knowledge

Museums

Main Museum

Vilamuseu

The Vilamuseu is the city’s museum. Integrated into the archaeological site itself, it allows visitors to see Roman remains in situ while exploring the history of Villajoyosa from prehistory to the present day.

The museum houses permanent collections of archaeology, ethnology and local history, as well as temporary exhibitions of art and culture.

Tradition and industrial heritage

Valencian Chocolate Museum Valor

The Valencian Chocolate Museum tells the story of the chocolate-making tradition of Villajoyosa, a city that has been a benchmark in the artisanal production of chocolate in Spain for more than 150 years.

Historical machinery, the production process, the history of the Valor company, and guided tastings are all part of the experience.

The museum houses permanent collections of archaeology, ethnology and local history, as well as temporary exhibitions of art and culture.

Blue Flag · Mediterranean Coast

Beaches and coves

Estudiants Beach

A narrow cove with fine pebbles and gravel and crystal-clear waters, located within the Varadero complex next to the fishing port.

CreekDuchas/LavapiésNo se admiten caravanas

Downtown Beach

A long, sandy beach. Over 1300 meters to enjoy unforgettable walks along the Mediterranean shore. Located in the town center, it's perfect for families. Accessible Beaches is available in the "Basseta l'Oli" area, next to the Yacht Club.

BathroomsBlue FlagDuchas/Lavapiés

El Xarco Beach

A pet-friendly beach at one end, consisting of pebbles, gravel, and sand, located more than 3.5 kilometers from the town center in the direction of Alicante.

It features the Torre del Xarco, which is 580 meters long, as well as snorkeling spots and picnic areas.

CreekDog-Friendly BeachDuchas/Lavapiés

Paradise Beach

It is an open beach that has retained its natural setting, with stretches of fine, golden sand and areas of gravel. Palm trees are a part of this setting, and the beach is easily accessible.

BathroomsBeach barBlue Flag

Real-time water quality: Check the status of the flags, water quality and webcams of the beaches on the official website of the municipality.

Coastal and rural environment

Nature and landscape

Coastal path

Coastal route connecting the beaches and coves of the municipality with views of the Mediterranean. Access from the seafront promenade.

Embalse del Amadorio

Natural interior environment with spectacular dam, water sheet and arid landscape of great visual power.

Viewpoints

Panoramic viewpoints overlooking the historic center, the sea and the coast of Marina Baixa.

Hiking trails

Various routes through the natural environment of the municipality, with different levels of difficulty for all audiences.

Seabed

The waters off Villajoyosa are home to a great wealth of marine life. Ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Sunset

The seafront and viewpoints offer some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Costa Blanca.

Flavors of the Mediterranean

Gastronomy and chocolate tradition

Cookbook

Listen up, kitchen!

The fishing tradition, local produce, and the chocolate industry have given La Vila Joiosa a vast array of traditional dishes that you can sample at some of the town’s restaurants and bars. But since we want you to continue savoring the flavors of this fishing village even after you return home, we’ve selected some of the most representative dishes.

Tapas, rice dishes, stews, and desserts that delight even the most discerning palates—and, in some cases, through them, we’ll discover some of the traditions of this town on the Costa Blanca, brimming with color, tradition, and flavor.

Pebreta

Summer invites us to share wonderful evenings and dinners outdoors with friends and family on terraces, beaches… And in La Vila Joiosa, pebrereta is a must at these nighttime gatherings. It's the quintessential dish of La Vila Joiosa, and its main ingredient is the "Villa Joiosa pumpkin."

In the early 1990s, the festival committee of the traditional Poble Nou neighborhood decided to include a contest featuring this traditional dish in its program of events. Over time, this Pebrereta Contest, which takes place in early June, has become one of the most popular culinary competitions in the municipality and has earned its place in “La Vila Gastronómica.”

Rice Week

There are dry ones, creamy ones, and soupy ones. There are meat, vegetable, and/or fish ones. There are traditional and modern ones. There are…a thousand varieties and something for everyone, or almost everyone. Besides its many preparation possibilities, rice, and rice culture, is very much present in the popular recipes of La Vila Joiosa.